Recurrent chemical pregnancies using PGS embryos

[Daisy308]

Total of 6 IVFs done since 6/16

1. 1st BFP - highest HCG @1220, miscarried before 5w
   
2. 2nd BFP - highest HCG @1067, miscarried before 5w
   Doctor said it was likely due to chromosome issues so suggested PGS. 2 more cycles done - D5/ D6 normal embryos x 5
   
3. BFN
   
4. BFP but highest HCG @33. (Clexane + prednisolone)
   
5. BFP but highest HCG @20. (Clexane + prednisolone + aspirin + IVIG)
   
6. BFP last week but HPT has been really light. (All of the above + mabthera) first HCG on 8dp5dt is 14
   
   Now waiting for 2nd beta on Monday but I pretty much know what is going to happen. All 5 embryos are now gone and I will need to start a new cycle to retrieve eggs again. My biggest question is : looks like the PGS has killed the embryos although their gradings remained after thawing. Another doctor didn’t say yes or no but said it’s not necessary given 5 out of 7 came back normal in the last PGS.
   
   I am now back to the beginning again - At least before the PGS, my HCG progressed and I believe it was then my immune that killed it. However after PGS, the HCG didn’t even have a chance to double.
   
   Does anyone have experience on this? Appreciate any replies!!

[Snowdayfet]

I would disagree with not doing PGS again - if you are constantly miscarrying, to be able to rule out major chromosomal problems is a big tick. If you can face it I’d do it again.

I can’t help with HK I’m afraid but there are clinics like this in the UK: mft.nhs.uk/saint-marys/services/gynaecology/recurrent-miscarriage-service/

And PGS only tests the major chromosomal pairs (so for example in Down’s syndrome you have an extra copy of the chromosome pair 21). It doesn’t pick up eg microdeletions (where there is a small part of a chromosome missing) or balanced translocation (where two bits of chromosomes switch places), or genetic abnormalities. Without having a family history or some kind of other pointer you can’t possibly test for all these as there are too many of them - which is why it’s a good idea to focus on the endometrium first.

It’s not my area of expertise but am sure others with immunes & endometrial issues will be along to advise!

[Daisy308]

Hi snowdayfet, after extensive research I also do not think pgs was the reason however given the last pgs, both doctor and I agree that we won’t do it again. I have had hysteroscopy done twice before and doctor found everything normal.. I haven’t been referred to any miscarriage clicnic as I’m based in Hong Kong - do you know what tests they run? I have already done a lot of blood tests but there might still be something that’s worth looking into.

I have no family history of genetic disorder and my doctor seems to think that having pgs done ruled out all chromosomal problems - how can they be tested if not by PGS? (balanced translocation?)

[Snowdayfet]

Sorry to hear you’ve been through the wringer OP

FWIW it is extremely unlikely that PGS has “killed” your embryos - it just doesn’t work like that. If you’re already on immunes, it sounds like you have a problem with your uterine environment - have you been referred to the recurrent miscarriage clinic? I’d be looking at a laposcropy (sp?!) to have a look inside your uterus.

It’s also possible that you have a chromosomal problem that PGS isn’t picking up (balanced translocation or something) - any family history of genetic disorders?

[Daisy308]

Sorry for the late reply, I’m starting the whole IVF process again so no big progress as yet but at the same time, I have had my vitamin D level checked (my number shows deficiency) as apparently this affects implantation and ongoing pregnancy. I have also done a food allergy test to see if anything I eat causes any inflammation. I switched my folic acid to folate which is a natural form and added vitamin b to my daily supplement intake. These together with other medications I’m on will hopefully help.

My doctor also told me after my second miscarriage that it was bad luck which I didn’t agree. They can’t all happen at the same time (one happened at 4w5d and one happened at 5w)! I like my doctor and she is very good in what she does but she still can’t tell me why it keeps happening. I guess I will just have to keep trying.

[hopefu1L]

Hello,

I have had 4 transfers. 2 have been chemical
pregnancies (MC before 5 weeks), 1 BFN and 1 ectopic ruptured at 5 weeks.

I haven't spoken to my dr about the most recent ectopic but for the chemical pregnancies he thought it was just bad luck!

I have tried researching but haven't found anything that you can do to prevent chemical pregnancies. Did you find anything out?